title: Comparison of measures of physical performance among young children who are healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the differences in gait, balance, muscle strength, and physical activity in young children who are healthy weight (HW), overweight (OW), or obese.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 70; 5-9 years) were classified according to their body mass index as OW/obese (n = 29) or HW (n = 41). Data were collected on gait parameters, 1-leg stance test (OLST), handgrip strength, vertical jump (VJ) height, and physical activity. An independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and regression analyses were carried out.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Being OW/obese resulted in a significantly increased base of support while walking (P < .05), decreased OLST performance (P < .05), and decreased VJ height (P < .01) compared with peers of HW.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest that in young children, being OW/obese may lead to an increased base of support while walking, decreased balance, and decreased leg explosive strength.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, The Sage Colleges, Troy, New York 12180, USA. pathan@sage.edu
authors.forename: Neeti
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pathare
authors.forename: Esther M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Haskvitz
authors.forename: Marjane
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Selleck
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology